Lucerne is known as a picturesque city between lake and mountains: its lively urban setting meets the tranquility of Lake Lucerne. A boat trip offers views of Rigi, Pilatus and BĂĽrgenstock, placing the city in the context of the mountain panoramas along the water. As boat trips, routes and services may vary seasonally, check the timetable for your planned excursion.
Bridges, churches and city fortifications
Lucerne’s cityscape includes the Chapel Bridge, the Water Tower, the Musegg Wall, the Jesuit Church, the Spreuer Bridge, the Lion Monument and the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre. The two bridges offer different ways of looking at history: the Chapel Bridge is about 650 years old and, in its early years, served as a footbridge between the two banks of the Reuss. The Spreuer Bridge was built in 1408; its Dance of Death painting cycle was created by Caspar Meglinger between 1625 and 1635.
The Jesuit Church, too, combines historical significance with modern-day uses. It is considered Switzerland’s first large Baroque church; construction took place from 1666 to 1677. In addition to hosting religious services, it serves as a training venue for organists and as a concert venue. The Lion Monument is located in a rocky grotto in a park. The artwork, measuring ten by six metres, commemorates the Swiss Guards who fell during the storming of the Tuileries in Paris in 1792.
The Musegg Wall, with its nine towers, is part of the historic city fortifications. At the same time, it provides a habitat for specialised and, in some cases, highly endangered animals and plants. Important for planning your visit: the Musegg Wall and its towers are closed from early November to the end of March.
History in panorama and museum
The Bourbaki Panorama focuses on the internment of 87,000 French soldiers who found refuge in Switzerland at the end of the Franco-Prussian War in the winter of 1871. As a cultural monument, the portrayal conveys the willingness to help shown by civilians, the Red Cross and the army, and explores themes of humanity, solidarity and commitment to peace. The 360° viewing experience combines impressive painting with sound and spatial effects.
The Lucerne Museum of Art presents international temporary exhibitions, collection exhibitions and displays of work by younger artists from the region. Engaging tours of current exhibitions, followed by workshops, round out the programme for the whole family. Alongside historical themes, the focus is also on changing artistic perspectives and work from the region.
From geological history to chocolate production
At the Glacier Garden Lucerne, original glacial potholes and a world of rock formations preserve traces of the Earth’s history; historical exhibitions offer insights into geological and climate history. The world of rock formations tells the story of Lucerne sandstone: from its formation in the primordial sea, through the folding that created the mountains, to its shaping during the ice ages. The Mirror Maze offers a completely different experience: its 90 mirrors make the short paths seem endless.
The Swiss Chocolate Adventure is an interactive experience lasting around 20 minutes, exploring the discovery, origins, production and transportation of chocolate. It is designed for families and recommended for children aged six and older. At the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Planetarium offers another way to experience large-scale images: five powerful projectors bring a wide range of 360° content to the dome. The Traffic Garden is for children aged four and older, who can explore road traffic through play and learn about road safety.
On foot, by the lake and in the mountains
Lucerne can be explored on foot or on one of its many guided city tours. The official city tour leads through hidden lanes and lively squares and offers a view of the Musegg Wall; tour dates may vary. One specific waterside walking route is SwitzerlandMobility Route 560, the Lucerne lakeside path: it runs from Lucerne railway station to Hotel Seeburg, along the promenade beside Lake Lucerne.
The Lucerne–Lake Lucerne region offers opportunities for cycling tours by the lake and in the mountains. The area around Lake Lucerne is also a hiking destination, with impressive mountain panoramas. The experiences are therefore distinct: the lakeside path is a named route with specified endpoints, while the regional recommendations focus on cycling tours and hiking landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Lucerne, Weggis, Vitznau, Rigi Kaltbad, Meggen, Malters, Littau, Kriens, Horw, Ebikon, Greppen, Schwarzenberg, Schachen, Gisikon, Buchrain, Adligenswil, Dierikon, Meierskappel, Root.
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